Chandigarh, April 1: A Mohali court has sentenced self-styled preacher Bajinder Singh, often known as the "Yeshu Yeshu Prophet", to life imprisonment in connection with a 2018 rape case. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by Additional District and Sessions Judge Vikrant Kumar, following Singh’s conviction on March 28.
Five others named in the case — Akhbar Bhatti, Rajesh Chaudhary, Jatinder Kumar, Sitar Ali, and Sandeep Pehlwan — were acquitted by the court.
The case was initiated based on a complaint filed by a woman at the Zirakpur Police Station in Mohali district in 2018. In her complaint, the survivor alleged that Singh lured her with promises of taking her abroad but instead raped her at his residence in Sector 63, Mohali. She further claimed he filmed the assault and threatened to make the video public if she did not comply with his demands.
During the proceedings, Singh had pleaded for leniency, citing the young age of his three children and his wife's medical condition. However, the court did not grant any relief.
Singh's legal team, led by advocate H.S. Dhanoa, has announced plans to challenge the verdict in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In recent months, Singh has faced additional legal troubles:
Bajinder Singh Convicted Under Multiple IPC Sections
Singh was found guilty under the Indian Penal Code Sections 376 (rape), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation). In addition to the life sentence, he has been ordered to pay a fine of ₹1 lakh.Five others named in the case — Akhbar Bhatti, Rajesh Chaudhary, Jatinder Kumar, Sitar Ali, and Sandeep Pehlwan — were acquitted by the court.
Tight Security as Singh Brought to Court from Mansa Jail
Tight security arrangements were made at the court complex ahead of the verdict. Singh was brought to court under heavy police escort from Mansa Jail.The case was initiated based on a complaint filed by a woman at the Zirakpur Police Station in Mohali district in 2018. In her complaint, the survivor alleged that Singh lured her with promises of taking her abroad but instead raped her at his residence in Sector 63, Mohali. She further claimed he filmed the assault and threatened to make the video public if she did not comply with his demands.
Survivor Welcomes Verdict, Plans for Appeal Underway
Speaking after the verdict, the survivor expressed satisfaction, stating she had finally received justice after seven long years. Her counsel, Anil Kumar Sagar, praised the court’s decision as exemplary, emphasizing the need for strong judicial responses in such cases to deter misuse of religious or social status.During the proceedings, Singh had pleaded for leniency, citing the young age of his three children and his wife's medical condition. However, the court did not grant any relief.
Singh's legal team, led by advocate H.S. Dhanoa, has announced plans to challenge the verdict in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Singh's Controversial Past and Additional Cases
Singh, who leads "The Church of Glory and Wisdom" headquartered in Tajpur, Jalandhar, with a branch in Majri, Mohali, has been embroiled in multiple controversies over the years. Originally from Haryana and a Jat by caste, he converted to Christianity over a decade ago. His religious events, often advertised as healing congregations, drew large crowds and were streamed live on his YouTube channel “Prophet Bajinder Singh”, which has 3.74 million subscribers.In recent months, Singh has faced additional legal troubles:
- February 28, 2025: Booked for sexual harassment based on a complaint from a 22-year-old woman. Charges included Sections 354A, 354D, and 506 of the IPC.
- March 25, 2025: Booked for assault after a video surfaced showing him slapping a woman. The footage, reportedly dated February 14, appeared to be from a CCTV camera inside a room.
